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Local package requires a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK in Flutter: Causes and How to Fix

February 10, 2025

Discover solutions for fixing Dart SDK version issues in Flutter local packages. Understand causes and steps to resolve compatibility problems.

What is Local package requires a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK Error in Flutter

 

Local Package Requires a Higher Minimum Version of the Dart SDK Error in Flutter

 

  • Flutter projects and packages rely on a specific version of the Dart SDK—a requirement specified in the project's pubspec.yaml file. This file includes a key environment that outlines the minimum and maximum Dart SDK versions compatible with the package.

    •  

  • An error stating that a local package requires a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK occurs when a package or its dependencies demand a Dart version greater than the one currently installed on your system.

    •  

  • This is particularly common when working with Flutter or Dart projects that involve updating dependencies or integrating third-party packages, which might use new language features not supported by older SDK versions.

    •  

  • Every package created for the Dart ecosystem lists its Dart SDK version requirements. When a higher version is required, it means some features or security fixes present in newer versions are crucial for the package’s proper functioning.

 

Analyzing Dependency Requirements

 

  • The pubspec.yaml file is pivotal for understanding SDK version constraints. Here’s a typical section from a pubspec.yaml file:

 

environment:
  sdk: ">=2.12.0 <3.0.0"

 

  • The sdk field specifies the range of Dart SDK versions that the package can work with. In this example, the package requires at least version 2.12.0 of Dart but is incompatible with Dart versions 3.0.0 and above.

    •  

  • A local package requiring a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK must mean the package is using newer Dart features such as null safety, introduced in version 2.12, or enhancements made in subsequent releases.

 

Implications of Ignoring the Error

 

  • Attempting to circumvent this error by ignoring it or using an older SDK version can lead to significant issues. The package might not function correctly, leading to subtle bugs or outright failures.

    •  

  • Ignoring the language features adopted in newer Dart versions could result in less readable and potentially unsafe code. For example, using an SDK without support for null safety means developers must manually handle null exceptions.

    •  

  • Security vulnerabilities might arise, as each Dart SDK update often patches known security flaws. Sticking to an outdated SDK might expose projects to unnecessary risks.

 

Code Example of Affected Environment Setup

 

  • Below is a snippet of an environment setup that might cause the error due to an outdated Dart SDK:

 

environment:
  sdk: ">=2.14.0 <3.0.0"

 

  • If your installed Dart SDK version is 2.13.0, this setup requires an upgrade to at least 2.14.0 due to features or fixes included in 2.14.0.

 

What Causes Local package requires a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK in Flutter

 

Understanding the Cause

 

  • Flutter or Dart SDK updates introduce new features, libraries, or critical bug fixes that packages rely on to enhance performance and stability. If a package developer finds these new features beneficial or necessary, they will specify a higher Dart SDK version.

    •  

  • Package dependencies might have their own dependencies updated to newer versions, requiring higher Dart SDK versions. This cascading effect often results in needing a newer SDK version than initially anticipated.

    •  

  • Security vulnerabilities in older Dart SDK versions can compel package maintainers to update their minimum Dart SDK requirements to ensure the software remains secure and reliable.

    •  

  • When new language features like improved syntax, new libraries, or enhanced null safety are introduced, they often require a minimum SDK version. Developers wanting to leverage these capabilities will update their dependencies accordingly.

    •  

  • As the Flutter/Dart community evolves, community-contributed packages are updated to reflect best practices, necessitating newer Dart SDK versions for better integration and functionality adherence. Contributing developers aim to ensure optimal performance and industry alignment with these updates.

 

Example

 

A common Dart pubspec.yaml file might express the dependency constraints as follows:

environment:
  sdk: ">=2.12.0 <3.0.0"

 

This specifies that your project requires Dart SDK version 2.12.0 at a minimum, up to but not including 3.0.0, a typical scenario when packages introduce features compatible only with newer SDK versions.

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How to Fix Local package requires a higher minimum version of the Dart SDK in Flutter

 

Update the Dart SDK

 

  • Ensure your Dart SDK version matches the one required by local packages in your pubspec.yaml file.

    •  

  • Visit the [official Dart SDK website](https://dart.dev/get-dart) to find the latest version and installation instructions for your operating system.

    •  

 

Modify the Dart SDK Constraint

 

  • Open your project's pubspec.yaml file.

    •  

  • Locate the environment section. Update the sdk constraint to match the installed Dart version or a compatible one. For example:

    ```yaml

    environment:
    sdk: ">=2.10.0 <3.0.0"

    ```

    •  

  • Ensure all dependencies are compatible with the modified SDK constraint.

    •  

 

Upgrade the Flutter SDK

 

  • Update your Flutter SDK as it includes a bundled Dart SDK. This can be done by running: 
    flutter upgrade

    •  

  • After upgrading, verify the version by: 
    flutter --version

 

Clear Cache and Rebuild

 

  • Clear the existing build cache to prevent conflicts: 
    flutter clean

    •  

  • Rebuild your project to reflect the new SDK changes: 
    flutter pub get

 

Check for Any Deprecated Features

 

  • Review your project for any deprecated APIs that might not be supported in the new Dart SDK.

    •  

  • Consult [Flutter's migration guide](https://flutter.dev/docs/development/tools/sdk/releases) to address deprecated features or breaking changes.

 

Verify Scripts or Tooling

 

  • If your project uses scripts or automation tools, ensure they also use the updated Dart SDK.

    •  

  • Modify environment paths or configurations in IDEs like VSCode or Android Studio to point to the correct version of the Dart SDK.

 

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